'Chariots of Fire' writer Colin Welland dies at 81

Oscar-winning British writer -actor Colin Welland has died at the age of 81.
Welland was suffering from Alzheimer's disease for several years, said The Hollywood Reporter.
He won a best original screenplay Oscar for "Chariots of Fire," which was based on the athletes competing at the 1924 Olympics, in 1982.
Welland also had successful stint with acting. He received a best supporting BAFTA award for playing an English teacher in Ken Loach's "Kes".
He also won a BAFTA award for writing TV plays in 1971.
His other credits as a writer include- 1979 film, "Yanks" starring Vanessa Redgrave and Richard Gere and "Twice in a Lifetime" that released in 1985.

"Colin will be desperately missed by his family and friends. Alzheimer's is a cruel illness, and there have been difficult times, but in the end Colin died peacefully in his sleep.
"We are proud of Colin's many achievements during his life, but most of all he will be missed as a loving and generous friend, husband, father and granddad," a family member said in a statement.
He is survived by his wife Patricia, four children and six grandchildren.